Saudi Arabia Declares June 16 as Eid al-Adha
By: Emmanuel Ibitoye
Saudi Arabia has officially announced that Eid al-Adha, one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar, will be celebrated on Sunday, June 16, 2024. The announcement followed the sighting of the Dhul Hijjah crescent, signaling the commencement of the 12th Islamic month.
The Saudi Supreme Court confirmed the sighting of the crescent on Thursday, marking the start of Dhul Hijjah. Consequently, the Hajj pilgrimage for the year 1445 AH-2024 will begin on Friday, June 14. The Day of Arafah, a pivotal day in the Hajj rites, will fall on Saturday, June 15, immediately preceding Eid al-Adha.
In a statement, the Supreme Court urged all Muslims in the Kingdom to engage in the crescent sighting to determine the start of the new month and the exact day of the festival. This practice ensures the accurate observation of Eid al-Adha, celebrated on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command. It is the second major Islamic festival after Eid al-Fitr and is marked by communal prayers, feasting, and the ritual sacrifice of animals, which are then distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.
